Research Specialist

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How to Apply

To apply for this job, please upload (combined into ONE PDF) a CV/resume, cover letter, and the names/contact information for 2 professional references. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline the skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Questions about the position should be directed to:

Adam S. Lepley, Ph.D., ATC
Assistant Professor
Director | PRIME lab
Office: (734) 647-1615 | [email protected]

Jacob Haus, PhD
Associate Professor
Director | Human Bioenergetics lab
Office: (734) 647-2790 | [email protected]

Job Summary

The Performance, Rehabilitation, and Injury Management through Exercise (PRIME) and Human Bioenergetics Laboratories are jointly seeking two full-time Research Specialists to support ongoing exercise-based human research studies. We are looking for detail-oriented, self-motivated individuals to play a key role in administering physiological assessments, coordinating daily laboratory operations, supporting data collection and analysis, interfacing with research participants, and collaborating with research teams, among other duties.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
 

  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Maternity and parental leave
  • University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities

Responsibilities*

(EF) = Essential Function

Responsibilities associated with this full-time position include, but are not limited to:

Research Testing and Data Collection (~50%)

  • Administer in-lab physiological assessments, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition, maximal oxygen uptake testing, oral glucose tolerance testing, blood draws, collection of data from wearable devices, among others. (EF)

Lab Operations and Communication (~50%)

  • Schedule, coordinate, and communicate with human subjects for in-lab visits and testing sessions. (EF)
  • Maintain an organized and functional lab environment, including ordering supplies and ensuring proper equipment maintenance for data validity and quality control. (EF)
  • Communicate project updates with lab leadership and act as a liaison with industry collaborators. (EF)
  • Oversee day-to-day lab activities, supervise and mentor student workers, and assist in training users in laboratory techniques and equipment use. (EF)

Additional responsibilities as required to support team goals and operations.

Required Qualifications*

  • Masters (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage and coordinate several study-related tasks concurrently.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment are required. This position involves close interaction with faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and community-based participants.
  • Proven success with contributing to a positive workplace culture, and ability to consistently demonstrate our school's Core Values.
  • Applicants with prior research experience, phlebotomy training, and expertise with the above equipment, will be given preference.

Physical abilities needed for this position require applicants to be able to:

  • Move laboratory equipment up to 50 lbs
  • Position self to apply sensors and other equipment on subjects (e.g. kneeling, squatting, sitting on the floor, etc.)
  • Remain stationary at a computer to transfer, analyze, or process data

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The position is available immediately and is term-limited, funded for 13 months; the initial appointment may be extended depending on performance and availability of research funds. The general salary range for this position is $43,000-$52,000, commensurate with education and experience. An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge, and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Benefits are included with this position.  

This is an onsite position only, with work taking place in the School of Kinesiology building (830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48109).

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.